Why The DD214s?
A DD214 stands for Department of Defense form 214. Anyone who has ever served honorably in the military upon discharge receives a DD214 which is like a resume of your military history and a valuable document.
The DD214 members have all served in the military, The only exceptions being spouses and family members of those who have served.
The DD214s was started in 2011 Lisa Pickart, VSO (Josephine County Veterans Services,) Louie Goldberg, LCSW and Nam Vet Bob Eaton as a therapy workshop for veterans. The idea was to give veterans suffering from such maladies as PTSD - for example- an active help and solution. Skill was not a prerequisite, just interest. Over the years there were several members, many of whom moved on by the time i joined in 2018.
In late 2024, Josephine County (Oregon) decided that their budget should prioritize Law Enforcement. Thus funding for the DD214s was cut. We lost all support from the County. However, we have put in many many hours over the years, creating a rather large repertoire of cover songs, and a few originals. This band is for all of us that remain, and most likely those who preceded the current membership, a joyful, and satisfying experience. For me and a few others, it has been a real healing experience. And we put in the time. Our performances were always met with very positive response, and we did not want to just quit, and give up all our investment in time and refining of the material, so we decided to keep it going ourselves.
Currrently we are in limbo as far as performances go, as our county sponsorship had provided the venues. We are ready however, so if any of you viewing this, have any ideas about local gigs we can do, please get in touch with us.
We play for free, though we accept tips.
I am working on an album for the band, started just before covid whacked us, and it has lain dormant for a few years. I have revived it and there should be some recordings to share in the near future.
Members;
T
Bob L
Bob E
Moe
Gary
Mark
You You (our mascot)
Lisa (not shown in picture)
Other former members include:
Joe
Kel